Rugby League News

Injuries lead to NSW Blues changes, with Ethan Strange as a potential State of Origin debut contender amid a halves battle.

The Australian

Injuries will force mass changes to the NSW Blues but a rising Canberra star Ethan Strange is a dark horse for a State of Origin debut in just over a month.

Already with a halves conundrum on his hands, Blues coach Laurie Daley has issued a challenge to Strange over the next four weeks, saying he wants the 21-year-old to put pressure on the experienced incumbents.

As it stands there's a three-way battle for the halves for Origin I with Nathan Cleary, Mitch Moses and Jarome Luai all hunting for the jersey for Origin I on May 27.

But at the State of Origin series launch at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday, Daley said he's backing the exciting Raiders star to push the trio.

"It's interesting. Nathan is playing really well, Mitch Moses played really well yesterday, Jarome's back, Ethan Strange for the Raiders is starting to play his best football," Daley said when asked about his options in the halves.

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The Bulldogs' season has been inconsistent, impressing with a big upset but struggling against weaker teams. Contenders or pretenders?

Fox League

What to make of the Bulldogs so far this season - contenders or pretenders?

It's fair to say after seven rounds the jury is well and truly out.

After opening the season with back-to-back wins over the Dragons and Raiders, the Dogs fell in consecutive games to the Knights and Rabbitohs.

Then they turned up to score the upset of the season over the previously unbeaten Panthers last round, where the Dogs absolutely mauled Nathan Cleary.

But just when we thought the halves combination of Lachlan Galvin and Matt Burton had finally gelled, this week the Dogs were sent home with their tails between their legs after copping a 38-20 reality check by an injury-ravaged Parramatta, themselves missing about $4 million in salary cap value.

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The Bulldogs' season is inconsistent; they've achieved notable wins but suffered significant losses, leaving their status as contenders uncertain.

Fox League

What to make of the Bulldogs so far this season - contenders or pretenders?

It's fair to say after seven rounds the jury is well and truly out.

After opening the season with back-to-back wins over the Dragons and Raiders, the Dogs fell in consecutive games to the Knights and Rabbitohs.

Then they turned up to score the upset of the season over the previously unbeaten Panthers last round, where the Dogs absolutely mauled Nathan Cleary.

But just when we thought the halves combination of Lachlan Galvin and Matt Burton had finally gelled, this week the Dogs were sent home with their tails between their legs after copping a 38-20 reality check by an injury-ravaged Parramatta, themselves missing about $4 million in salary cap value.

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Matt Timoko faced mental challenges from contract speculation while recovering from injury and returning to NRL.

Canberra Daily

Canberra centre Matt Timoko has revealed how contract speculation surrounding him was mentally challenging, after making his return to the NRL.

Timoko had to sit on the sidelines while rumours circulated over his future with the Raiders, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but with options to extend for the 2027 and 2028 campaigns.

The Kiwi international was linked to a move to the Perth Bears and Warriors, but coach Ricky Stuart put the speculation to rest, saying he will be in Canberra for another year.

Regardless, the rumours took a toll on the centre, who was building his strength in the NSW Cup after picking up a foot injury in the preseason.

"It just got blown out of proportion, from...

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